My office, bright and comfy with a faint citrus smell of whatever reed diffuser I decided to get last month from Target, feels nice. The room, by no means, is instagram-perfect. It’s often messy, cluttered with orphaned cameras and lens caps, unopened mail and coffee mugs. The narrow windowsill is home to sad plants I’ve nearly killed but can’t seem to let go of, and the shelves above my desk I’ve placed random tchotchkes and art snuggled around a few old cameras.

I have a cheap gray loveseat in my office—a piece (if you can call it that) I purchased new for the natural light studio, which I hated as soon as it arrived. It soon became the office couch and fits snugly next to the Lane midcentury end table I reclaimed last year. I still can’t believe I found that table for $5 at Savers. Then again, it had cigarette burns and mystery sludge embedded in the wood, so it was quite ugly at the time. I began working on the table just after I moved into the studio. It was a nice distraction from the unknowns at work.

Above the loveseat is a long picture rail with large pictures of my family, including my favorite image of my son and daughter dressed up as the 11th Doctor and a weeping angel. They were so little and they are so big now. It’s a little reminder of who I’ve been working for.

A few more photos of my family, along with some kid art and notes from clients, are hung on a magnetic board over two IKEA metal bookshelves on the entrance wall. The shelves are filled with business self-help books I’ve half-read, a couple of photography guides, a few books of work by my favorite photographers, and my grandpa’s set of Time-Life Photography books from 1972. The top of these shelves has been a catch-all for gear. At one time, I tried to make it look pretty by placing plants, decor, and even a record player on these shelves, but it always ended up getting moved to make room for my camera bag. I guess my tools are the decor now. I’m not much into being cute anyway.

I was once one of those humans who could sleep in until noon, but after years of having to be a functional adult for my children, I’ve morphed into a morning person. These days, I find my best work starts around 7 or so, which is usually when I stumble into the office, cold brew in hand, ready to answer emails and edit photos. By design, most of my client interactions don’t start until after 8:30. I’ve come to cherish an hour or so alone in my office, quiet and free of distractions. It’s a working meditation.

I like my office. I love my studio. It’s been just over a year since I moved in, and it’s amazing how this place already feels like a second home. Every day, I can’t help but pinch myself as I walk in and soak in all the light and freshness. Naturally, in true Britta fashion, I keep waiting for the ball to drop. This can’t be real, can it?

Entrance Mural

In July, my pal Lydia, a super talented artist and soon-to-be art teacher, designed and, along with her husband Edwin, installed a mural in the studio entrance. I’ve dreamed of a mural in my studio for as long as I can remember. There is something so special about a one-of-a-kind artwork setting the tone for a space. When I approached Lydia about the idea, she was totally on board. She had tiptoed into murals over the last couple of years, and I knew she would knock it out of the park.

Lydia and I went back and forth for a few weeks, trying to decide what would fit the mood of the space and the vibe of Studio Borealis. Now, you guys, Lydia is a CRAZY talented artist, and I’m pretty sure she could have done anything I threw at her. So, I maybe felt a little guilty that the design I loved best was a very blocky, very minimalist work.

But, man, do I love very blocky, very minimalist design. Using the colors of both the Britta the Photographer and Studio Borealis brands, she was able to create something that was both familiar and unique all at once. I love it, and I can’t wait to greet clients in the space.

Summer Break

The second week of July has become my summer time off over the last few years. This tradition started when my family and I would venture up to the Winnipeg Folk Festival, held the second weekend of July every year.

For various reasons, we don’t attend the folk festival every single year anymore, but we still take that week off to soak in the summer—whether by taking a proper vacation or spending a rad week with friends.

This year, we opted to help throw a little friend festival we’ve nicknamed SmileyFest. It’s our third or fourth fest with the same group of people, and each year it gets more and more fun. Our good friends host the shindig at their Minnesota country property. While it’s not always held the second weekend in July, the fact that it was this year allowed us to take a little extra time to help them prep the property to host.

My friend Kari and I are “yes, and…” types, so it’s pretty dangerous when we get to plan a party together. Every year, we come up with fun themes for each evening we’re together and do our best to get everyone involved. This year, our themes were “Be A Chris,” “Ren-Faire,” and “Space Disco.” And, yes, the Space Disco night was amazing. It was hotter than heck, but I couldn’t stop dancing.

While the rest of the month was pretty chill, July wrapped up with a nice visit to central North Dakota to visit my husband’s family. It’s so awesome visiting with everyone. I wish we had teleportation machines.

Five Fixations

It’s now time in the blog post where I share five things I can’t stop thinking about.

Snail Mucin

Over the last half decade or so, I’ve developed rosacea. It’s been a wild ride trying to figure out my triggers. I’ve identified the usual culprits—stress, red wine, and beer—but some skincare ingredients have also set my face on fire. Namely, the most common skincare ingredients ever: hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. So, I’ve taken a very bare-bones approach to my face routine, steering away from actives.

Well, until the internet and a few friends started bragging about their experience with snail mucin. Yep, that’s right… snail slime. It’s not as gross as you think, and after using it for two weeks, my rosacea has pretty much gone away. I’m not sure if this is a miracle or a coincidence, but I’m not taking any risks. My skin looks pretty good these days and I’ll be sticking with the slime.

This Rogue Salvia

This little salvia found it’s way to this pot-hole on our driveway and I can’t get over it. There is no way I’ll ever pull it. It belongs there now.

Lethal Paint Lady

My daughter has been into this creator, A Brush with Bekah, and introduced me to her a few weeks ago. She makes deep dives into different kinds of paint and even shows you how they made paint back in the old days using very unsafe ingredients. Who knew the Victorians were so lethal? (Everyone.)

Snoop Dog at the Olympics

Not much to say here except Snoop + Olympics = Gold

Ninja Ramen & Poke Bowl

I love a good Poke bowl and the fact Ninja Ramen & Poke Bowl is within a 5 minute drive of my studio AND they do pick up orders makes me very happy. Bonus? the bowls are HUGE and very fresh.

Ope! It’s the sunset of summer. One month left! For now I leave you with 10 photos, work or otherwise, I captured in July.

1: Lydia and her pup Bailey 2: Tahnee’s fresh SNAP! headshot 3: Library Building Session with Craftwell 4: Kelly Binfet’s Garden 5: Johnna & Mari’s team photos for Mari Berggren’s Agency 6: Behind the Scenes with Studio 46 7: The bright and lovely Melissa Lunak. 8: A super fun (and mousquito filled) family session 9: Open House for Hope Blooms 10: Headshots for the Stunning Brianne